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    Catalina Verdugo Trail

    4.3 (16 reviews)

    Catalina Verdugo Trail Photos

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    Sunday summer in November 2022
    Franklin M.

    I'm not sure how busy this parking lot gets at the Glendale Sports Complex but there was plenty of free space available on Saturday after Thanksgiving. From the parking lot facing the sport fields start the hike to your left. The hike is moderate with easy inclines and around eight switchbacks at the end of the trail by the small wooden bridge. I saw small children walking this trail so it will be easy enough to hike for most all age groups.

    The trail gets much narrow after this. Many trees and chaparral throughout your hike
    Dana G.

    Overall a convenient & simple beginner hike for anyone interested in dipping a toe into nature. It's a narrow loop trail that meanders throughout the Canyon with a few benches to rest, read, or just sit in peace. The elevation gain is gradual and not strenuous by any means. I clocked 2.6 miles taking a detour down at the ridge motorway trail sign. I don't recommend it, stay on the loop. The gravel was loose, grade was steep, and the bottom loop around the power tower was grossly over grown. This trail is behind the Glendale Sports Complex. Two entrances: 1) end of parking lot by soccer fields, keep going till you enter by the wood bridges, 2) there's a trail marker at the entrance of the parking lot. Other points: bird watching, not crowded, clear paths, and, views of Hollywood, Glendale, Griffith Park, and the beach on a clear day.

    Grand Opening
    Cydney M.

    The Grand Opening of the Catalina Verdugo Trail is on Saturday, June 1, 2013. My friend Meg P., and I went hiking there today and we really liked it! It reminds me of the Rim of the Valley Trail at Deukmejian Park minus the radical, vertigo producing drop off on the side. There is a drop off, but the trail is wider. It just made me a little nervous when my friend Meg walked on the edge. There are two entrances to the Catalina Verdugo Trail. The first one is right by the entrance to the parking lot on the north side of the complex. The marker is right next to the street on the left, so it is visible. The second entrance to the trail is on the south side of the complex to the right of the soccer field. The website says the loop is 2 miles, but I used the Map My Hike ap and it registered at about 2.64. You can hike longer if you take the detour to the Ridge Motorway Trail. If you go that way you can hike all the way to La Canada if you head north or further down into Glendale if you head south. The Catalina Verdugo Trail was funded by the 2009 Competitive Trails Grant Program. A lot of chapparal was chopped down to create the trail and it hasn't been hauled away as of todays date. It was just thrown over the edge. Maybe they think it will turn into a natural mulch of some sort or perhaps they will haul it away. If I go to the Grand Opening on June 1, 2013 that question will be at the top of my list. If you stay on the loop trail it is approximately 2.64 miles long. It meanders in and out of canyons at an easy grade. If you start on the south side you will see the intersection to the Ridgeline Trail on your way up the hill. Turn right when you see the trail marker. I love the trail markers on this new trail. The trail will inperpret the history of the San Rafael Hills and the Verdugo Valley and is named after one of its earliest residents, Catalina Verdugo, the First Lady of the Rancho San Rafael. They have a few pedestals near the benches for some kind of informational plaques, but as of today they haven't been installed. I am sure they will be by the time of the Grand Opening on June 1, 2013.

    Catalina Verdugo Trail. Beautiful hike!
    Melissa K.

    The Catalina Verdugo Trail is new to Glendale. I do not think many people know about the hike yet because in all the times I have been on the trail, I have only seen 2 or 3 other hikers. I also saw one mountain biker; that seemed like an intense workout. This is a mild to moderate 2-mile hike. It takes approximately one hour to do the complete loop. I take my toddler, and I wear him in a hiking backpack. Bring water- the elevation change is pretty significant. Beautiful views of the city and mountains. On a clear day, you can see the ocean. And now for the most important tip- the main trailhead is to the right of the soccer fields (if you are facing fields). Do not enter soccer field area because those gates are locked. The first time we did this hike, we spent 20 minutes trying to figure out how to enter because all we saw were locked gates. I suggest a late afternoon hike because the sun bathes the mountains in light, and it makes for epic views.

    Some areas of the trails need fixing due to rain/mud slides. Barriers broken. View from the top.

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    1 year ago

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    11 years ago

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    12 years ago

    Bump into a snake on Catalina loop trail... It's nice and cute walk but cars on freeway make crazy noise which kills the mood.

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    12 years ago

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    Review Highlights - Catalina Verdugo Trail

    “I'm not sure how busy this parking lot gets at the Glendale Sports Complex but there was plenty of free space available on Saturday after Thanksgiving.”

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    Beaudry Loop Hike - Directions are easy to decipher. You go left and I go up or you go right and I go east. ;D

    Beaudry Loop Hike

    4.4(145 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    May your trails be long, crooked, lonesome, rugged leading to the most magnificent view. Now…read morewithout further ado let's begin this glorious hike review. ;D Beaudry Loop Hike is a 5.5-mile loop trail located in Verdugo Mt near La Cresenta and Glendale, California. The trail is moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 hours to complete. Also, it has other interconnected trails within the loop. BLH is a popular area for hiking, mountain biking, dog walking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Furthermore, this loop trail has an elevation gain of 1,515 feet that provide gorgeous view of LA and surrounding cities. I hiked this loop trail on a cool Tuesday (12/06) morning where very little to no hikers on the trail. As you go deeper into the trail's bosom, you will see some wild plants and flowers and other creatures. The trails are very wide, well kept and has adequate shade on certain parts. The entrance of Beaudry Loop trail (intersection of Beaudry Terrace and Beaudry blvd) is somewhat hidden but a yellow metal thick gate is where you enter. There is one thing certain that no quiescent mind hiking this trailhead. As for parking, there are plenty of street parking around the neighborhood. In this voluminous review, it's time to make a conclusion. Overall, I enjoyed hiking this trail and it's magnificent view from the summit. I wholeheartedly recommend this trail.

    This hike is not for the faint of heart. I believe it's a full 7 miles if you do the entire loop…read morebut we ended up taking a shorter route which made it a total of 5 miles. I've attempted this hike once before and failed to do the loop as I started later in the day and wasn't able to finish it; however, I just recently went again with a few of my friends and this time was able to accomplish it within, I want to say 3-4 hours? I wasn't tracking it but it was a good hike--recommend going early to beat the heat or maybe in the afternoon so it's not hot. My only recommendation is to take the path on the right first when you come across the split at the Beaudry Loop since there's shading from the trees and it's much easier, as it felt like it was a steady incline. Also, when coming back down from the other side, it was steeper but much easier to come down than to hike uphill, which I did the first time I did this hike. A great, challenging hike for anyone who is currently looking for new places to climb. Due to the fires in Eaton Canyon and Malibu, there are less options to trek at the moment but this is a solid choice. This is nestled in a neighborhood so you'll end up parking your car either at the front entrance or in front of other people's homes. Will definitely come back again next time to conquer the full trail but with more ample time of course.

    Photos
    Beaudry Loop Hike
    Beaudry Loop Hike
    Beaudry Loop Hike

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    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

    4.4(294 reviews)
    7.0 mi

    This was my first real hike, and it was great! It was a bit confusing to get there but there were…read moreplenty of people around to help out. The water is ice cold and you need water shoes to comfortably walk around in the water. Be careful not to slip on the algae covered rocks! Still wonderful

    Perfect hike for a hot day…read more I love waterfall hikes and listening to the sound of calm, running water. The added challenge on these hikes is the multiple stream crossings. I brought some hiking poles which helped with balance and probing for loose rocks and logs. If you want to get parking in the lower lot, it's best to come before 8AM. We found parking in the second lot. An Adventure Pass or Day Pass is required. Parking is enforced. A car received a ticket for being in a No Parking zone. The start of the trail is nicely shaded. The second half is a hilly, narrow, sun exposed path which routes back into the canyon toward the Lower Switzer Falls. I'm glad they had fencing on some narrow and steep parts of the trail. We encountered an active rattlesnake which headed down the mountain, so be on the lookout. Overall, the hike takes about 3 hours for 5.5 miles. The additional hike back up to the parking lot was about 1/4 of a mile. Note: if you need to use the restroom, it's best to bring your own toilet paper and to go before you start your hike. It was kind of smelly, but if you gotta go... you gotta go.

    Photos
    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service - Lower Switzer Fall

    Lower Switzer Fall

    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service
    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service - The grand prize, Switzer falls.

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    The grand prize, Switzer falls.

    Deukmejian Wilderness Park - Thorny wild plant. I dare you to touch it. lol ;D

    Deukmejian Wilderness Park

    4.5(103 reviews)
    4.9 mi

    Hidden secret in our own backyard. Bests of all this is free until 10pm daily. Breath taking views…read moreof LA and my fav is the view of a former winery house that is a nature center (museum like with ac). Free parking for about 40 cars. Elevation is over 2700 feet. Able to park near homes but prepared to walk steep uphill. Clean bathrooms. Hiking here is the most popular so can get busy. Trails of all types for beginners, moderate and super hikers level. About 10 miles of hiking available. I love the scenic views of the city/LA. It can get really hot because there is very little shade. Plenty of picnic tables to rent. The ones closest to house is not rentable. Half of the tables are not in the shade. Small amphitheater is there too. Very safe if you visit alone. There are bears, snakes, coyote and small critters. Wilderness park named in honor of George Deukmejian, the 35th Governor of California. Has so much history. Former vineyard and winery. 1885-1890s: French immigrant and winemaker George Le Mesnager purchased acreage in Dunsmore canyon to plant extensive vineyards. The vineyard has 81 grapevines which have been planted since 2004 and are maintained by the Stone Barn Vineyard conservancy which is a part of the historical society of the Crescenta Valley. You can still purchase Stone Barn wine bottles of Chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and white zin for $10-$20. City of Glendale purchased land to preserve it from developers. 2009 a severe wildfire swept through the terrain, though resilient landmarks like a historic 200-year-old oak tree survived. 2022 historic stone barn reopened to the public as the Stone Barn Nature Center. You can still see the gorgeous vineyards.

    Beautiful park n trails ! Clean restrooms ! BUT, they need tree health care . The oaks tree planted…read moreare dying . 7of them. Sad to see that . It's next to the flat area where the large pepper tree is located . HELP THEM LIVE. Thanks plenty of parking . Park open till 9pm . Trees need - water bladders and mulch at least to help them survive

    Photos
    Deukmejian Wilderness Park - Too Kool For Skool. #2026 #dirtparkinglot

    Too Kool For Skool. #2026 #dirtparkinglot

    Deukmejian Wilderness Park - Welcome to Deukmejian W.P. #hikingtrailpark

    Welcome to Deukmejian W.P. #hikingtrailpark

    Deukmejian Wilderness Park - Swing anyone? :D #lol

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    Swing anyone? :D #lol

    Secret Stairs - Tamarac Dr. to Glenullen Dr.

    Secret Stairs

    4.3(37 reviews)
    4.0 mi•South Arroyo

    My second time doing the stairs here is how I found them…read more Number of stairs- 9 Sycamore Glen to Redwood Dr.-this staircase is not in Fleming's Secret Stairs book, Walk #1, though they could have easily been part of the route. 60 steps Elmwood Dr. to Redwood Dr. 98 steps Redwood Dr. to Tamarac Dr. 81 steps up then 19 steps down Tamarac Dr. to Glenullen Dr. 86 steps Glenullen Dr. to Cherry Dr. 99 steps Cheviotdale Pl. to Capinero Dr. 44 steps La Loma to Cheviotdale Pl. 54 steps Cheviotdale Pl. to Cherry Dr. 43 steps La Loma to Evergreen-this staircase... Hope it helps It's around two miles.

    I decided to give the Secret Stairs a visit after a tip from Yelp! There is just something charming…read moreabout a neighborhood network of stairs. The stairs serves well as an easy hike or an exercise spot for those who love stair climbing. One thing I did not expect is that the stairs go up and down. Rather than take you higher and higher, some of the stairs just takes you across hills which for me is disappointing. Also, I did not find the houses along the trail particularly scenic. They are probably nice for Pasadena but definitely a far cry from what you see in nearby Arcadia, San Marino, La Canada, etc. Overall, I consider the Secret Stairs a local attraction. It's a worth a visit if you live less than 20 minutes away and its a fun neighborhood novelty but it's definitely not worth your time if you don't live in the area. Parking: I parked on the street on Elmwood which is the beginning of the trail, but I don't highly recommend it. It's not a particularly well maintained street and it is super narrow and steep without proper curbs/sidewalks. There is also a sign that says 'Tow Away on Red Flag Days'. Refer to the affixes picture. If I returned, I would either park on the street prior to Elmwood or just skip to a different segment.

    Photos
    Secret Stairs - Start on. Elmwood Dr. to Redwood Dr.

    Start on. Elmwood Dr. to Redwood Dr.

    Secret Stairs - Map if you want to do 2.7 miles.

    Map if you want to do 2.7 miles.

    Secret Stairs - Redwood Dr. to Tamarac Dr.

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    Redwood Dr. to Tamarac Dr.

    Cherry Canyon Park - Guess what side of the trail did I take? ;D #winprize #5K

    Cherry Canyon Park

    4.5(24 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    You can park for free on the street which has many trees for shade. The hike entrance is to the…read moreright of the Descanso Gardens. If it's a hot day I recommend bringing some water and a hat. It's a two mile journey up to the top at Cerro Negro. We started our hike late around noon and it was hot with few people along the route.

    Today is wild and it's yours. What can I say I'm wild for her cherry adventure. ;D…read more Cherry Canyon Park composed of a small but dense network of trails that are great for hikers, runners, bikers and walkers. It offers a panoramic view of mountains. This park is located in La Cañada Flintridge near the popular Descanso Gardens. There are different entrance/exit points to CCP such as Descanso-CherryCanyon trail, Conservancy trail, Motorway, Forest hill and Hampstead. I decided to take the Descanso Cherry Canyon trail on Descanso dr road. The trail has an elevation gain of 950 ft with a hiking level of 4 (moderate with steep inclines; not for beginners). The loop trail length up to 5 miles and you'll definitely spend at least 2 hours; it's highest summit reach to 1,887 feet. Cherry Canyon trail is dog friendly and bike friendly. There is little to no shade on these trails. Fellow hikers were amiable and respectful. There's very little to no human traffic on these trails. Furthermore, the trails were well maintained and trail signs are abundant. However, you can easily get loss given these trails were interconnected as evidence by a young male hiker who got loss asked me for direction. Finding street parking was easy. Cell reception was good. Overall, it's a wonderful trail to get a good cardio workout and enjoy the mountain view.

    Photos
    Cherry Canyon Park
    Cherry Canyon Park - What can I say I have a....#bigshoe #bigfeet #thiccnbig

    What can I say I have a....#bigshoe #bigfeet #thiccnbig

    Cherry Canyon Park

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    Waterman Mt & Twin Peaks Hike - Found this tiny little spider on a beautiful yellow bloom - had to bust out my macro lens for this one! June 2025

    Waterman Mt & Twin Peaks Hike

    4.5(8 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    Such a unique and beautiful hike!!!! We even got to see some very hard snow that was almost gone,…read moredue to the rain and winds. I would highly recommend that at least 50% of the group have the trail downloaded, and you carry extra phone chargers. A few people who were with us almost got lost. It is very easy to do so if you are not paying attention. There is also one portion that becomes very steep. Take your time and bring a stick or poles if you need to. Other than that, the views are breathtaking, so enjoy! I would 1000% do this trail again, but only in a larger group with more experienced hikers. Hoping they are able to locate Monica Reza!! Please, please, please, do not leave anyone behind on their own. This is not an easy trail to guide yourself. There was a lovely man we met on the trail who hikes this consistently, and he cautioned us against losing people.

    I bagged a peak this summer!! And the Waterman Mountain loop trail has become my number one fave…read morelocal trail here in SoCal. Getting up to Waterman peak isn't terribly technical - more of a straightforward moderate hike on well marked trails with tons of biodiversity and beautiful views. I hiked it towards the end of June and there were beautiful native SoCal blooms scattered along the trail - with so many native bees! The hike is through a burn scar (from the Peak Fire in 2021 I think) - so it can be a bit barren and burned up in places but it's heartening to see how well the area is recovering. I also ran into countless Pygmy Nuthatches (a lifer for me!!), White-headed Woodpeckers, squirrels, chipmunks, and even some cute tiny spiders! But this is Black Bear and Mountain Lion country so be vigilant and carry bear spray. All in all, I hiked around 6.4 miles with around 1380+ feet elevation gain. The trails are narrow in a lot of spots and mostly consists of rocks, loose dirt, and fine gravel. The first half of the trail is through forest and burn scar. The last half after the peak and old ski resort (long closed) is very exposed fire road with no shade and minimal views. On subsequent hikes I tend to skip that part and just turn around after the peak bc I like that part of the trail better lol. The peak of Waterman Mtn sits at 8030 feet. There's a great sign at the peak made by @peakart125 (on instagram) - it's lovely and makes for a fun way to celebrate making it all the way up! There's a sort of false peak right before the actual peak so I highly recommend making sure you've downloaded the trail map on AllTrails before heading out since cell signal is minimal to nonexistent on the trail. The views from the peak are a tad obstructed by rocks and trees - but you still get nice pocket views of Twin Peaks, the valley, and Mt Wilson observatory. It's also interesting to explore the old ski resort near the peak. There's tons of equipment and a chair lift but it doesn't look like it's been opened for years probably. AllTrails also shows a bathroom up there but I didn't find one so come prepared. There's a bathroom next to the paved parking area in a campground entrance at the trailhead. There's plenty of parking - almost all paved. You'll need an adventure pass to park bc it's in the Angeles National Forest - but they accept America the Beautiful passes too! I pretty much had the trail to myself on the weekday early morning. I only ran into two people - turned out it was search and rescue looking for missing hiker Monica Reza who went missing the weekend before my hike (I think she was last seen June 22nd, 2025). I helped a bit in the search on my way out but no luck. My understanding is she's still missing (I included a photo - they're still looking for volunteers to help search if you're interested!) - be aware and keep a lookout if you do the trail! They also have Instagram and FB pages for updates.

    Photos
    Waterman Mt & Twin Peaks Hike - Precious little chipmunks kept a close eye on me while I hiked lol!

    Precious little chipmunks kept a close eye on me while I hiked lol!

    Waterman Mt & Twin Peaks Hike - Views from the trail (June 2025) #getoutsideandexplore

    Views from the trail (June 2025) #getoutsideandexplore

    Waterman Mt & Twin Peaks Hike - Lovely elderberry bloom along the trail (June 2025)

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    Lovely elderberry bloom along the trail (June 2025)

    Catalina Verdugo Trail - hiking - Updated September 2026

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